Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
03:49
Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Persistent urinary incontinence and delivery mode history: a six-year longitudinal study
Christine MacArthur1, Cathryn M A Glazener, P Don Wilson
1Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Birmingham, UK.
BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|January 18, 2006
Summary
Caesarean section delivery significantly reduces the risk of postpartum urinary incontinence compared to vaginal birth. However, even with exclusive caesarean sections, persistent incontinence remains a concern for many women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Urogynecology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Postpartum urinary incontinence is a common complication affecting women's quality of life.
- Understanding the impact of delivery mode on incontinence is crucial for maternal healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of persistent and long-term postpartum urinary incontinence.
- To examine the association between delivery mode (first and subsequent births) and urinary incontinence.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 4214 women across three countries.
- Data collected via postal questionnaires at three months and six years postpartum.
- Logistic regression analyzed the effects of delivery mode on incontinence outcomes.
Main Results:
- Persistent postpartum urinary incontinence affected 24% of women.
- Exclusive caesarean section delivery was associated with significantly lower rates of persistent (OR=0.46) and long-term (OR=0.50) incontinence.
- Vaginal births, forceps, or vacuum extractions were not associated with reduced incontinence risk; older maternal age and more births increased risk.
Conclusions:
- Caesarean section delivery is linked to a reduced risk of persistent and long-term urinary incontinence.
- The protective effect is lost if a vaginal birth also occurs.
- A notable percentage of women experience persistent incontinence even after exclusive caesarean section births.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry
Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive urodynamic test designed to measure various aspects of urination, including volume, flow rate, and the time to void. This test is crucial for diagnosing and assessing conditions such as bladder outlet obstruction, bladder dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, incontinence, and urinary tract blockages caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urethral strictures.Pre-Test Instructions:Before a uroflowmetry test, patients are typically advised to drink...
01:30Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...